Collapsible computer platform

ABSTRACT

The principles of the present invention relate to a collapsible computer platform suitable for use on a seatback tray of an airplane, train, or the like. One example embodiment includes a first platform which may be used to place a laptop or other portable computing device on. The collapsible platform also includes two or more support assemblies. The support assemblies have a top portion coupled to the first platform and a second portion configured to rest on a surface. The support assemblies are configured to be collapsible relative to the first platform and to define a cavity or open space between the first platform and the surface on which the support assemblies rest when the deployed. The defined cavity may provide an open space for storage and work while a laptop computer is placed on the first platform.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

The use of laptop computers and other portable computing devices hasbecome widespread. A laptop computer is typically designed to give auser the computing power of a conventional desktop computer with theadded bonus of being portable. This portability allows the laptopcomputer to be used in a variety of locations that are not accessible toa desk top computer, adding to their appeal.

One location where a laptop computer or other portable computing deviceis often used is on an airplane or train. The laptop computer istypically placed on the seatback tray of the airplane or train seat infront of the laptop computer. However, such a setup often does not leaveany space on the seatback tray for other purposes. For example, theregenerally is not any room left on the seatback tray in which to use awireless, optical mouse with the laptop computer. This is inconvenientfor users who do not desire to use the built in mouse of the laptopcomputer.

In addition, many laptop users on an airplane or train have a need toaccess papers while working on the laptop computer. Because the laptopcomputer has taken all the space on the seatback tray, these papersoften must be placed under the laptop computer. A user must thenphysically move the laptop computer before accessing the papers. Thisprocess may be very inconvenient and difficult for many users,especially in the cramped conditions of an airplane or train cabin.

Also, on many airplanes and trains it is common for food and beveragesto be served. However, if a laptop computer is already placed on aseatback tray, there may be no convenient location to place the food. Auser may have to place the food or beverage on top of the laptopcomputer, which may cause damage to the laptop computer if spilled orotherwise allowed to come into contact with the computer. Alternatively,he or she may have to hold the food or beverage in his or her lap, whichmay lead to spilling or damage to clothing.

Therefore, what is needed in the art is a compact, portable laptopcomputer platform designed to hold a laptop computer on a seatback trayor other location while still providing additional space for othertasks.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The principles of the present invention relate to a collapsible computerplatform suitable for use on a seatback tray of an airplane, train, orthe like. One example embodiment includes a first platform which may beused to place a laptop or other portable computing device on. Thecollapsible platform also includes two or more support assemblies. Thesupport assemblies have a top portion coupled to the first platform anda second portion configured to rest on a surface. The support assembliesare configured to be collapsible relative to the first platform and todefine a cavity or open space between the first platform and the surfaceon which the support assemblies rest when the deployed. The definedcavity may provide an open space for storage and work while a laptopcomputer is placed on the first platform.

A second example embodiment also discloses a collapsible computerplatform suitable for use on a seatback tray of an airplane, train, orthe like. This embodiment includes a first platform which may be used toplace a laptop or other portable computing device on. The platform alsoincludes two or more support assemblies. Each of the support assembliesincludes a first rotational member coupled to the first platform, afirst support member having a top portion coupled to the firstrotational member, a second rotational member coupled to a bottomportion of the first support member and a second support member having atop portion coupled to the second rotational member that is configuredto rest on a surface. The support assemblies are configured such thatthe second rotational member is interior to the first rotational memberwhen collapsed relative to the first platform in a stored position andthe second rotational member is exterior to the first rotational memberwhen deployed. In addition, a cavity is defined between the firstplatform and the surface on which the support assemblies rest when thesupport assemblies are deployed. The defined cavity may provide an openspace for storage and work while a laptop computer is placed on thefirst platform.

A third example embodiment further discloses a collapsible computerplatform suitable for use on a seatback tray of an airplane, train, orthe like. This embodiment includes a first platform, a second platformand two or more support assemblies. Each of the support assembliesincludes a first rotational member coupled to the first platform, afirst support member having a top portion coupled to the firstrotational member, a second rotational member coupled to a bottomportion of the first support member, a second support member having atop portion coupled to the second rotational member and a thirdrotational member coupled to a bottom portion of the second supportmember and coupled to the second platform. The support assemblies areconfigured such that the second rotational member is interior to thefirst and third rotational members when collapsed relative to the firstplatform in a stored position and the second rotational member isexterior to the first and third rotational members when deployed.Further a cavity is defined between the first platform and the secondplatform when the support assemblies are deployed. The defined cavitymay provide an open space for storage and work while a laptop computeris placed on the first platform.

These and other objects and features of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following description and appendedclaims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of thepresent invention, a more particular description of the invention willbe rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention willbe described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a view of a collapsible computer platform in a fullydeployed position in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a view of the collapsible computer platform of FIG.1A in a collapsed position;

FIG. 2 illustrates a fully deployed view of a collapsible computerplatform in accordance with a second embodiment of the present inventionfully deployed;

FIG. 3A illustrates a view of the collapsible computer platform of FIG.2 also in a deployed position;

FIG. 3B illustrates a view of the collapsible computer platform of FIG.2 in a partially collapsed position; and

FIG. 3C illustrates a view of the collapsible computer platform of FIG.2 in a fully collapsed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the present invention disclose a collapsible computerplatform suitable for use on a seatback tray of an airplane, train, orthe like. The various embodiments include a first platform which may beused to place a laptop or other portable computing device on. Thevarious embodiments of the collapsible platform also include two or moresupport assemblies. The support assemblies have at least a top portioncoupled to the first platform and a second portion configured to rest ona surface. The support assemblies are configured to be collapsiblerelative to the first platform and to define a cavity or open spacebetween the first platform and the surface on which the supportassemblies rest when the deployed. The defined cavity advantageouslyprovides an open space beneath the first platform for storage and workwhile a laptop computer is placed on the first platform. Thus, a userhas no need to move the laptop computer when having need of space on theseatback tray. The user may simply utilize the open space for whateverpurpose is necessary.

Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe various aspectsof exemplary embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood thatthe drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of theexemplary embodiments, and are not limiting of the present invention,nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Itwill be obvious, however, to one skilled in the art after having readthis description that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practicedwithout these specific details.

Reference is first made to FIG. 1A, which illustrates a collapsiblecomputer platform 100. Collapsible computer platform 100 is configuredto be used on the seatback tray of an airplane, train, or the like,although platform 100 may be used on other surfaces as well. Theplatform 100 is further configured to allow a user to place a laptopcomputer on the platform while providing an open space for storage orwork. As illustrated, computer platform 100 includes a top platform 110and two support assemblies 120 and 130.

As mentioned, collapsible computer platform 100 includes a top platform110. The top platform 110 is configured to hold a laptop computer orother portable computing device when platform 100 is fully deployed andmay be parallel to a surface the platform 100 rests on. Top platform 110will normally have a depth and width that match the depth and width oftypical laptop computers. These dimensions advantageously allow topplatform 110 to hold most commercially available laptop computers andother portable computing devices. In some embodiments, top platform 110may be made of a suitable plastic strong enough to support the weight ofa typical laptop computer, although this is not required. As will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, top platform 110 may be made ofnumerous other suitable materials. Further, the material comprising topplatform 110 will typically have a thickness sufficient to support theweight of a typical laptop computer.

Collapsible computer platform 100 also includes support assemblies 120and 130, although more support assemblies may be used as necessary. Asillustrated, the support assemblies 120 and 130 are coupled to the topplatform 110 and are configured to support top platform 110 when fullydeployed. In addition, the support assemblies 120 and 130 are configuredto be collapsible relative to top platform 110 in a stored position.Advantageously, the collapsibility of the support assemblies allowscollapsible computer platform 100 to be compactly stored when not inuse, for example in the case with the laptop computer.

Specifically, support assemblies 120 and 130 include a top portion 125and 135 respectively that are coupled to the top platform 110. The topportions 125 and 135 may be coupled through the use of a rotationaldevice 127 and 137 respectfully such as a hinge that allows supportassemblies 120 and 130 to collapse. The support assemblies 120 and 130also include a second portion 126 and 136 respectively that areconfigured to rest on a surface 150. In some embodiments, the surfacemay be the seatback tray itself, while in other embodiments the surfacemay be an additional platform coupled to the support assemblies 120 and130. The support assemblies 120 and 130 may be made of a suitableplastic, although other material strong enough to support a laptopcomputer may also be used.

In one specific embodiment, support assemblies 120 and 130 may includean assembly that comprises a first side support member that is rotatablycoupled to the first platform with a hinge or like device. The assemblyalso may include a second side support member rotatably coupled to thefirst member with a hinge or like device. The hinges allow the supportassembly to be collapsed for storage. In still other embodiments, thesupport assemblies may include a second platform that is rotatablycoupled to the second side support through a hinge or like device.

As illustrated, the top platform 110 and support assemblies 120 and 130define a cavity or open space 140 when fully deployed. In oneembodiment, the height of the cavity or open space 140 may be 3½ inches,although other heights may also be implemented depending on the heightof support assemblies 120 and 130 when fully deployed. The cavity oropen space 140 advantageously provides an open space typically largeenough for a user to operate an optical mouse while still using thelaptop computer that is placed on top platform 110. In addition, thecavity or open space 140 advantageously provides a space to store papersor food while still using the laptop computer that is placed on topplatform 110, thus removing the need to put food in contact with thelaptop computer or having to physically move the laptop computer toaccess needed papers and the like.

Referring to FIG. 1B, a view of collapsible computer 100 in a collapsedposition is illustrated. As shown, the support assemblies 120 and 130have been collapsed with the aid of rotational devices 127 and 137. Whencollapsed, the support assemblies 120, 130 and the top platform 110 nolonger define the cavity or open space 140. Instead, the collapsiblecomputer platform 100 is collapsed into a compact unit thatadvantageously may be placed in a laptop computer case, thus allowing auser to easily move it from one location to another with the laptopcomputer.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a second embodiment 200 of a collapsible laptopcomputer platform is illustrated. As with the embodiment discussed inrelation to FIG. 1, collapsible computer platform 200 is also configuredto be used on the seatback tray of an airplane, train, or the like,although platform 200 may be used on other surfaces as well. Theplatform 100 is further configured to allow a user to place a laptopcomputer 260 on the platform while providing an open space for storageor work.

Collapsible computer platform 200 includes a top or first platform 210.As with top platform 110 discussed above, top platform 210 is configuredto hold a laptop computer 260 or other portable computing device whenplatform 200 is fully deployed and may be parallel to a surface 250 thatthe platform 200 rests on. Top platform 210 will normally have a depthand width that match the depth and width of typical laptop computers.These dimensions advantageously allow top platform 210 to hold mostcommercially available laptop computers 260 and other portable computingdevices. In some embodiments, top platform 210 may be made of a suitableplastic strong enough to support the weight of a typical laptopcomputer, although this is not required. As will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art, top platform 210 may be made of numerous othersuitable materials. Further, the material comprising top platform 210will typically have a thickness sufficient to support the weight of atypical laptop computer.

Collapsible computer platform 200 also includes support assemblies 220and 230 that are configured to allow collapsible computer platform 200to collapse into a compact size suitable for being stored in a laptopcomputer bag. The support assembly 220 includes a first rotationalmember 221, a side support member 222, a second rotational member 223,and a second side support member 224. In some embodiments, supportassembly 220 may also include a third rotational member 225 that iscoupled to a second platform or surface 250.

The first rotational member 221 is coupled to the top platform 210. Therotational member 221 may be a hinge or similar device that extends theentire depth of top platform 210. The rotational member or hinge 221 maybe any reasonable hinge or similar device and may be made of anysuitable materials used in the art to create rotational members such ashinges. The rotational member or hinge 221 is configured to at leastpartially allow side support member 222 to collapse as will be explainedin further detail to follow.

The first rotational member or hinge 221 is also coupled to a topportion of the first side support member 222. The first side supportmember 222 may be made of the same plastic material as top platform 210or of some other plastic or material suitable strong enough to supportthe weight of a laptop computer. The side support member 222 willtypically have the same depth dimension as the top platform 210. Theside support member 222 will typically have a thickness just thickenough to support the weight of the laptop computer. As will be apparentto those skilled in the art, it is important to keep side support member222 as thin as possible as this will help to keep collapsible computerplatform 200 as thin as possible when collapsed.

A bottom portion of the support member 222 is coupled to a secondrotational member 223. The second rotational member 223 may be a hingeor similar device that extends the entire depth of first side support222 and second side support 224. The rotational member or hinge 223 maybe any reasonable hinge or similar device and may be made of anysuitable materials used in the art to create rotational members such ashinges. The rotational member or hinge 223 is configured to at leastpartially allow side support member 222 and side support member 224 tocollapse as will be explained in further detail to follow. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, when collapsible computer platform 200 is fullydeployed, second rotational member or hinge 223 is exterior of thepositions of first and third rotational members 221 and 225.

In some embodiments, rotational member or hinge 223 includes a lockingmember 226, which may be any reasonable locking mechanism. The lockingmember 226 is configured to lock rotational member 223 into place, thuslocking the other rotational members and side support members into placewhen placed in a locking position. When placed in a non-lockingposition, locking member 226 is configured to allow the other rotationalmembers and the side support members to collapse. For example, a userdeploying collapsible computer platform 200 may place locking member 226into the locked position to lock the platform in place. At a later time,the user may move locking member 226 into the non-locking position toallow collapsible computer platform 200 to collapse.

The rotational member or hinge 223 is also coupled to a top portion ofsecond side support member 224. The second side support member 224 maybe made of the same plastic material as top platform 210 and first sidesupport member 222 or of some other plastic or material suitable strongenough to support the weight of a laptop computer. The side supportmember 224 will typically have the same depth dimension as the topplatform 210 and first side support member 222. The side support member224 will typically have a thickness just thick enough to support theweight of the laptop computer. As will be apparent to those skilled inthe art, it is important to keep side support member 224 as thin aspossible as this will help to keep collapsible computer platform 200 asthin as possible when collapsed. In some embodiments, side supportmember 224 is configured to rest on a surface 250. The surface 250 maybe the surface of the seatback tray or other surface collapsiblecomputer platform 200 is placed on. In other embodiments, surface 250may be a second platform 250.

In those embodiments where surface 250 is a second platform 250, abottom portion of second side support member 224 may be coupled to athird rotational member 225. The third rotational member 225 may also bea hinge or similar device that extends the entire depth of second sidesupport 224 and second platform 250. The rotational member or hinge 225may be any reasonable hinge or similar device and may be made of anysuitable materials used in the art to create rotational members such ashinges. The rotational member or hinge 225 is configured to at leastpartially allow side support member 224 to collapse.

As mentioned, some embodiments include a second platform 250 that iscoupled to the third rotational member 225. In such embodiment, secondplatform 250 may be parallel to top platform 210. Second platform 250may be constructed of the same plastic or other material as top platform210, although this is not required. In one example embodiment, secondplatform 250, as well as first platform 210 and side assemblies 220 and230, may be made of a light colored plastic of a sufficient color thatallows a wireless or other optical computer mouse to work on the secondplatform 250.

As discussed previously, collapsible computer platform 200 also includesa support assembly 230. Support assembly 230 includes a first rotationalmember 231, a first side support member 232, a second rotational member233, which may include a locking member 236 in some embodiments, and asecond side support member 234. Support assembly 230 may also include athird rotational member 235 that is coupled to the second or bottomplatform 250. The various subparts of the support assembly 230 areanalogous to the corresponding subparts of support assembly 220 alreadydiscussed and accordingly need not be separately described.

As illustrated, the top platform 210, support assemblies 220 and 230,and the surface 250 or bottom platform (when present) 250 define acavity or open space 240 when fully deployed. In one embodiment, theheight of the cavity or open space 240 may be 3½ inches, although otherheights may also be implemented depending on the height of supportassemblies 220 and 230 when fully deployed. The cavity or open space 240advantageously provides an open space typically large enough for a userto operate an optical mouse while still using the laptop computer 260that is placed on top platform 210. In addition, the cavity or openspace 240 advantageously provides a space to store papers or food whilestill using the laptop computer 260 that is placed on top platform 210,thus removing the need to put food in contact with the laptop computer260 or having to physically move the laptop computer 260 to accessneeded papers and the like.

In some embodiments, top platform 210 may be configured to slide forwardof the front edge of bottom platform 250. In such embodiments, topplatform 210 may be coupled to sliding members such as c-shaped railsthat are configured to allow top platform to move forward and back againinto a position that is parallel to bottom platform 250. This isillustrated in FIG. 2 as 270. In some embodiments, the top platform 210may be configured to slide forward approximately 3 inches. In otherembodiments, collapsible platform 200 may include a third platform 270that sits under top platform 210 and may be constructed of the samematerial as top platform 210. Sliding members such as c-shaped rails maybe coupled to platform 270 to allow it to side forward of bottomplatform 210 approximately 3 inches. Either embodiment advantageouslyallows a user to slide his or her laptop computer closer to him or herwhen desirable, such as when a user of the seat on which the seatbacktray is attached leans the seat backward, thus causing an inconvenientangle.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3B, an illustration of collapsible computerplatform in various different stages of deployment is illustrated. Forexample, FIG. 3A illustrates collapsible computer platform 200 as beingin a fully deployed position. Note that when fully deployed, secondrotational members 223 and 233 are exterior to second and thirdrotational members 221, 225 and 231, 235. Further note that side supportmembers 222, 224 and 232, 234 form a “V” shape with second rotationalmembers 223 and 233 respectively. In addition, a cavity 240 is definedby the top platform 210, support assemblies 220 and 230, and the bottomsurface or platform 250.

FIG. 3B illustrates collapsible computer platform 200 in a partiallycollapsed position. Note that when collapsing, second rotational members223 and 233 are moved interior to second and third rotational members221, 225 and 231, 235. Further note that side support members 222, 224and 232, 234 now form a “V” shape with second rotational members 223 and233 respectively that is inverted from the prior “V” shape. Also, cavity240 is still defined by the top platform 210, the side assemblies 220and 230, and the bottom surface or platform 250, although the cavity issmaller than when the collapsible computer platform 200 is fullydeployed.

FIG. 3C illustrates collapsible computer platform 200 in a fullycollapsed position. Note that when fully collapsed, second rotationalmembers 223 and 233 are moved interior to second and third rotationalmembers 221, 225 and 231, 235. Further note that that side supportmembers 222, 224 and 232, 234 are completely compressed against eachother. This in turn causes top platform 210 and bottom surface orplatform 250 to be as close as physically possible, the distance betweenthe two being determined by the thickness of the support assemblies 220and 230 when collapsed. Note that collapsible computer platform 200collapses into a compact unit that advantageously may be placed in alaptop computer case, thus allowing a user to easily move it from onelocation to another with the laptop computer.

Although specific embodiments of collapsible computer platform 200 havebeen described, this is for illustration only. One skilled in the artwill appreciate that other embodiments are also possible. For example,side support members 222, 224 and 232, 234 may be metal rods that arerotationally connected to each other. Further, the rotational members orhinges may be configured other than to run the length of the supportmembers and there may be more than is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3A-3C.

Accordingly, the present invention may be embodied in other specificforms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics.The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

1-12. (canceled)
 13. The collapsible computer platform in accordancewith claim 17, wherein the cavity provides an open space large enoughfor using an optical mouse or suitable for storage of food or papers.14. The collapsible computer platform in accordance with claim 17,wherein the first platform and the first and second support members aremade of a plastic.
 15. The collapsible computer platform in accordancewith claim 17, wherein the fourth rotational member includes a lockingmember configured to lock the third and fourth support members in placewhen the computer platform is deployed and configured to allow the thirdand fourth support members to collapse when the computer platform is inthe stored position.
 16. (canceled)
 17. A collapsible computer platformcomprising: a first platform; a second platform; a plurality of supportassemblies comprising: a first rotational member coupled to the firstplatform; a first support member having a top portion coupled to thefirst rotational member; a second rotational member coupled to a bottomportion of the first support member; a second support member having atop portion coupled to the second rotational member, a third rotationalmember coupled to a bottom portion of the second support member andcoupled to the second platform; a fourth rotational member coupled tothe first platform opposite the first rotational member; a third supportmember having a top portion coupled to the fourth rotational member; afifth rotational member coupled to a bottom portion of the third supportmember; a fourth support member having a top portion coupled to thefifth rotational member a sixth rotational member coupled to a bottomportion of the fourth support member and coupled to the second platformopposite the third rotational member; wherein the plurality of supportassemblies are configured such that the second rotational member isinterior to the first and third rotational members and the fifthrotational member is interior to the fourth and sixth rotational memberswhen collapsed relative to the first platform in a stored position andthe second rotational member is exterior to the first and thirdrotational members and the fourth rotational member is exterior to thefourth and sixth rotational member when deployed; and wherein a cavityis defined between the first platform and the second platform when thesupport assemblies are deployed.
 18. The collapsible computer platformin accordance with claim 17, further comprising a third platformconfigured to slide forward approximately 3 inches.
 19. The collapsiblecomputer platform in accordance with claim 17, wherein the cavitydefined between the first platform and the second platform has a heightof approximately 3½ inches.
 20. The collapsible computer platform inaccordance with claim 17, wherein the first platform is parallel tosecond platform and wherein the first platform and the second platformare sized to substantially hold a laptop computer.
 21. The collapsiblecomputer platform in accordance with claim 17, wherein the secondrotational member includes a locking member configured to lock the firstand second support members in place when positioned in a first positionthe computer platform is deployed and configured to allow the first andsecond support members to collapse when the computer platform is in thestored position.
 22. The collapsible computer platform in accordancewith claim 17, wherein the first platform, the second platform and theplurality of support members are made of a light colored plasticsuitable for an optical mouse to be used on.